Is a blog devoted to the practice of avoiding unnecessary expenditures of time or money. Frugal living is good for your wallet, your health, and your planet. Let the discussion begin!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Eat Organic Without Breaking the Bank

Reading my local paper last week I came across a story called "Organic for All" on how to eat organic food without breaking the bank. Full of useful information, included was a blurb about a class offered at the Willy Street Co-op; how to use their bulk aisle, eat well, and not spend a fortune. "No Secret to Savings" is offered at both the west and east side locations. Free to owners or $5 to non-owners, participants are lead down the bulk-food aisle where they receive introductions to new foods and tips on simply cooking strategies. I found one class, coming up on Monday, October 24th. I just may have to attend.

Why the interest in eating bulk organic? I keep reading this "frugal" stories about homemakers who clip coupons, shop the "sales" and spend $100 on their grocery bill. I wonder --what are they eating? Mac and cheese, from a box? What are the long-term health effects? This month I want to see how little I can spend, but buy eating simple, vegetable and grain based meals. In the article I mention above there is a quote from a women named Jill Richardson who does just this, and she paraphrases her style as "cheap, fast, and lazy". Can I replicate her style? Time will tell.

Coupons can sometimes be found for baking and preserving supplies, and are usually seasonal. Last weekend I found $1 the yeast I use to bake bread. And I hope to use it when the product goes on sale or it's double coupon day.

I love buying in bulk. We don't like to eat processed foods or "convenience" foods mostly because they aren't all that convenient (see http://www.grist.org/article/not-much-convience-in-convenience-foods), but we also have a postage-stamp sized kitchen. It saves money and space to keep flour, sugar, and baking powder on hand rather than pancake mix, bread mixes, cake mixes, etc. A can of tomatoes can be made into pasta sauce, soup, added to beans and rice, or tossed into a stir fry at the last minute. The closer a food is to its natural state when you buy it, the more versatile, cheap, and healthy it is!